Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I worked with Detective Godwin. We went through DOCC training together in 2013, and worked a number of tours together. Great Officer, You will be missed.

G. Dreimann
Brunswick County Sheriff / New Hanover County Sheriff (2012 - 2014)

May 24, 2023

Father, we ask thy Blessing on the eternal soul of this thy servant Detective Michael W. Goodwin. Bless and care for his family, ease their sorrow. This we ask in thy Holy name, Amen.

George E. Martin, Sr.
Chaplain

October 20, 2022

I am so sorry to learn of the grievous loss of Detective Godwin when he died in the line of duty from Covid. To the Godwin family, fellow deputies , and all who call Michael beloved, my heart goes out to all of you and may you find comfort in your loved ones and your strength in your faith. When my son was killed, the entire law enforcement community in our area embraced us in a circle of love and support. I hope that you continue to receive that same kind of support. It makes the unbearable less torturous, and I pray for your solace.

This is sent with the utmost respect for the dedicated service Detective Godwin gave to his community and the residents of North Carolina and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on February 27, 2022.

Phyllis LoyaMom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

May 1, 2022

Detective Godwin,

Thank you for your sacrifice for our nation. May you be with the Lord and may he be with your family.

Det. Russ Cain

Pittsburgh PD

March 20, 2022

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 18, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Detective Michael Godwin. I am truly sorry for your loss. The service and sacrifice of Detective Godwin will not be forgotten.

Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland

March 9, 2022

Rest In Peace Detective Michael W. Godwin. May God watch over you, your wife, unborn child and all law enforcement officers during this difficult time. God's Speed Michael.

Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen
Mahaska County Iowa Sheriff’s Office

March 9, 2022

Rest, brother.

Sgt. Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

March 9, 2022

Sheriff Brad Swain, along with the deputies & staff of MCSO, offer our heartfelt sympathy to your entire department and to the family of your fallen Detective, Michael Godwin.
May the outpouring of support and encouragement you receive from agencies both near and far, provide you with a measure of peace and comfort at this difficult time.

Liane Johnson, #53-66
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Indiana
U.S.A.

March 9, 2022

Mike was one of my all time favorite people I've met through my years with the Sheriff's Office. I had the privledge of working with him several times throughout his career; when he first started in the jail; while assigned to our front desk; and at his last assignment in our gang task force. A truly great individual who will be missed more than he could have ever imagined. Rest in peace, friend.

Crystal Davis
New Hanover County Sheriff's Office

March 7, 2022

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC

March 5, 2022

I am sad to learn of the passing of a Brother and Hero in Detective Michael W. Godwin. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Family, Friends and all Members of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

March 5, 2022

Officer Godwin, for many years, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. It took a small virus to take your life. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. May God immerse you and your loved ones in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.

Jess Espinosa
Civilian

March 5, 2022

R.I.P Detective Michael Godwin

Brian Molyneaux
Citizen Toronto Canada

March 5, 2022

Rest in peace Brother Michael you are a true American Hero and will never be forgotten for your service and courage.


Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 07/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham (retired)
Sand Springs OK PD, Tulsa Police Department

March 5, 2022

Rest in Peace my Brother in Arms

Anrae G Godley-Cooper
U.S. Army Military Police

March 4, 2022

Godspeed brother

Police officer F.R. Gonzalez
NCS Ports Authority PD

March 4, 2022

RIP Detective Godwin. Thank you for your service to the citizens of New Hanover County

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

March 4, 2022

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

March 4, 2022

Rest in peace Brother....My thoughts are with your family, friends, and the members of your agency during this most difficult and tragic time....

LT. Joseph Ward, Ret
Jackson, NJ PD

March 4, 2022

On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Detective Michael W. Godwin and the extended law enforcement family of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina.




End of Watch Sunday, February 27, 2022.



Rest in Peace brother and watch over us. We will protect and serve from here on in your honor.

I fight not for glory or fame, for they are momentary. I fight for those who can't. I fight for Justice. I fight for the oppressed and the down trodden. And if I should lose my life for these just causes, then I have no regrets, For I serve to protect the innocent. It matters not where or when, for evil knows no boundaries. Be it fire, flood, or the threat of tyranny, I will not flee. Justice is my weapon. Faith is my shield. Hope is my armor. Cry not at my passing, for it was my Honor to fight for you. Shed not tears of sorrow, But tears of joy, for now, I stand with God.

By Jon F. Hooper

"Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

March 4, 2022

Thank you for your service.

Dmytro Goloborodko

March 3, 2022

Rest in Peace Detective Michael W. Godwin! Thank you for your over 9 years of service with the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, in North Carolina. We thank you for your devotion and your sacrifices, and also to your family and friends for their sacrifices. Our hearts break for your wife during this terrible tragedy, and we want her to know that you will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the rest of your family and to all of your sisters and brothers in Blue that protect us. God bless you all!! (Matthew 5:9)

Kelly & Eddie King

March 3, 2022

Rest in Peace Det. Godwin. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the Godwin Family and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

March 3, 2022

On behalf of POINT 27, we would like to offer condolences for Detective Michael W. Godwin. Please know we are eternally grateful for Michael’s service and his ultimate sacrifice.

To honor Detective Godwin, POINT 27 sent 27 Thin Blue Line Dog Tag Necklaces, engraved with “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9, to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office in Castle Hayne, North Carolina for Michael’s partner and fellow deputies. POINT 27 sent a Folded Flag Necklace engraved with “Greater Love has no one than this; than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend” John 15:13 for Detective Michael W. Godwin’s wife.

POINT 27 is a Non-Profit organization with a mission to strengthen and encourage members of the Armed Forces, First Responders, and their families, by sharing scripture on Dog Tags and Jewelry called Shields of Strength.

We will never forget and we are forever grateful.

Respectfully,

Colonel David Dodd,
United States Army Retired
Executive Director-POINT 27

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes #R309
Dallas Police Department-Reserve Division
POINT 27 National Outreach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison
[email protected]
214-908-2617

Detective Jerry M. Rhodes (Retired)
Dallas Police Department Reserve Division
POINT 27- National Out Reach Coordinator
Law Enforcement Liaison

March 3, 2022